Coral Reefs Under Siege As Tireless Heroes Battle to Save Them
Coral reefs face unprecedented threats from climate change. As of August 20, 2024, 75.0% of coral reefs worldwide have been impacted by bleaching-level heat stress since January 1, 2023. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch confirmed it as the fourth global coral bleaching event on record.
“The ecosystem of coral reefs only covers less than 1% of the Earth’s surface but contributes to 25% of the World’s marine life, either in full or partial lifecycles. So to lose this will have huge ramifications on life as we know it,” says Dr. Johanna Leonhardt, Manager at Soneva Coral Project/Aquaterra at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.
Eco-resorts, like Soneva Fushi, with direct conservation programs led by resident marine biologists, work tirelessly to restore the health and resilience of coral reefs. They ensure these vital ecosystems can withstand the mounting pressures of climate change. All that while balancing the demands of tourism, which provides the necessary funding for these crucial conservation efforts.
Related article: What are eco-resorts? And how they differ from eco lodges?
Impact of April 2024’s Global Coral Bleaching Event
Following April’s unprecedented high sea temperatures, eco-resorts in the Maldives reported widespread bleaching, particularly in Acropora and Porites species. Still, Emeline Bouchet, Marine Biologist at Velaa Private Island, remains hopeful, as corals planted in their innovative Biorock reef show signs of recovery.
Olivia Forster, Naturalist at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, measured a 6% mortality rate after this year’s bleaching event. But Forster turned this adversity into an opportunity, entering coral colonies that survived this year’s extreme conditions into a database of thermally tolerant species to plant going forward.
Nanuku Resort Guest Experiences Manager Kelly-Dawn Bentley says coral reefs around Fiji also bleached — especially those in shallow waters since they suffered prolonged exposure to higher temperatures.
“The bleaching threshold for coral in Fiji is approx. 29.5 degrees Celsius. Our water temperatures are currently reaching 31 degrees Celsius,” says Kokomo Private Island Marine Biologist Viviana Taubera.
In Malaysia, Gaya Island Resort Resident Marine Biologist Scott Mayback noted that 60% of their coral survived bleaching. However, they lost 20%, and 20% are still experiencing stress. He reported resilience in some species, which offers a cautious optimism for future restoration efforts.
Africa, often synonymous with the “Big Five” safari animals, is also home to the roughly 2,860-mile-long Eastern African Coral Coast. Luis Verdin, a biologist at Kenya’s Vipingo Ridge, explained that “elevated temperatures in 2024 caused coral bleaching in the Kuruwitu area, affecting the vibrancy of the reef.”
The global bleaching event also challenged neighboring Tanzania. “About 56% of the corals on our reef were affected by bleaching, with a mortality of about 11%. Fortunately, most of the bleached corals have recovered,” notes Riaan Laan, Thanda Island’s Resident Marine Biologist.
The Future of Coral Restoration Amid Increasing Temperatures
Many eco-resorts agree that the fight to restore and protect the coral reefs cannot afford to slow down. They are committed to continually innovating and pushing conservation boundaries.
“We see unprecedented damage to coral reefs yearly, including severe weather and bleaching events to ocean acidification. We don’t want to stand idly, waiting for decisions. We need to safeguard as much diversity as possible to safeguard our future as a species,” says Dr. Johanna Leonhardt, Manager at Soneva Coral Project/Aquaterra at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.
She adds that “nations like the Maldives, one of the lowest-lying countries in the world with no natural structures rising more than 2.5 meters above sea level, could face severe consequences without coral reefs, including food scarcity, loss of tourism income, and increased island erosion.”
“It is a hard battle,” agrees Bentley. “We learn as we go. We find more efficient ways thanks to the scientific community’s knowledge sharing.”
Bouchet is similarly optimistic and proactive, focusing on coral resilience through targeted and adaptive methods. She transplanted more than 2,000 corals this past year with a more than 75% survival rate.
Matteo Serale, Director of Operations at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, notes that restoration efforts like coral farming and heat-resistant coral development offer a hopeful path forward. Still, strict management of Marine Protected Areas and reduced overfishing and pollution are equally important.
Scott Garden, CEO of Australian diving tour company Passions of Paradise and long-time coral restoration advocate, attributes Great Barrier Reef health to strict marine protection regulations. He emphasizes that the reef’s vast size, rich biodiversity, and depth are only part of the equation.
Balancing Tourism Promotion with Ecosystem Protection
Balancing tourism and reef ecosystem protection is something that requires careful supervision. Tourism generates significant economic benefits like providing funding for conservation and raising awareness. However, without proper regulation and education, tourism can lead to environmental destruction,” says Taubera.
Mayback agrees that, without tourism, affected regions would lack the resources to protect and restore vital ecosystems. They need funds to propagate bleaching-resistant corals — like Porites and Sarcophyton — that better withstand future bleaching events.
Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke advocates harnessing tourism’s powers as a force for good by turning locals and guests alike into “ambassadors and stewards for the ocean.” She also emphasizes the importance of starting with education. Clarke partnered with the Bahamian government and school board to expand in-school curriculums to include ocean health.
The pristine white sand beaches and the rich, biodiverse coral reefs are key attractions for snorkeling guests. Bouchet says, “Their coral adoption program not only contributes directly to the restoration of our reefs but also fosters a deeper connection to the marine environment, raises awareness, and inspires continued conservation efforts.”
Garden believes in spreading the word, telling the true story, and bringing people to experience the reefs firsthand. “Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is fragile, but it is also resilient,” he says. “This vast natural wonder has endured a lot over the years and will continue to do so, thanks in part to the efforts of companies like ours, which have been actively involved in its preservation since the 2000s.”
This article was originally published by Media Decision (but written by me).
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.